The City of Detroit engaged PEA Group to develop updated concept plans through preliminary construction documents for phases 3 and 4 of Riverside Park. The park is located at the base of West Grand Boulevard on the Detroit River, directly south of the Ambassador Bridge. The City developed due care plans for both phases of the project. The new design incorporates the environmental cleanup per EGLE requirements.
Now complete, Riverside Park provides new and exciting recreational amenities to nearby residents and the community. Phases 3 and 4 expanded the existing southwest boundary of the park, added close to five acres of public park space, and increased the river frontage and access for shore fishing. Additionally, the park has a new interactive spray park with rolling topography and safety surfacing that will be utilized as a play space in colder months.
Grand Boulevard now extends into the park, providing better vehicular access for anglers and cyclists while doubling as a hardscape surface for festivals and weekend events. The new sledding hill provides winter recreation opportunities and unique river and downtown views. Upland and lowland habitat improvements were incorporated into the design, spanning from the existing seawall to the top of the proposed hillside. The new picnic shelter near the base of the sledding hill provides a location for concerts and movies in the park while also serving as an outdoor performance space. The new picnic shelters and an outdoor fitness area are adjacent to a ¼-mile walking loop. The existing Riverwalk remained intact and has new site furnishings.